Tiara Boobowski
From Sonic Retro
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Tiara Boobowski |
---|
First seen: Sonic Mars |
Species: Manx cat |
Gender: Female |
Age: 15-16 |
Height: 132.08cm (4'4) |
Created by: Chris Senn |
Tiara Boobowski[1][2], sometimes shortened to Tiara B., is an anthropomorphic Manx cat created for the unreleased Sega 32X action-platformer Sonic Mars. Originally one of six intended playable characters, the concept of in-game partners was scrapped when issues during development forced the team to focus solely on Sonic the Hedgehog. Following this, she was reworked into the plot as a potential love interest for Sonic.[3]
Her creator, Sega Technical Institute artist Chris Senn, hoped that Tiara Boobowski would eventually become an equal match for someone like Sonic, and feels the game could have focused more on the relationships with Tiara and the other characters. However, as development progressed, it became clear that story had to take a backseat to gameplay design, Tiara and others would eventually be dropped from the later phases of Sonic X-treme's development.
Contents
Character conception
Tiara Boobowski was created around 1993 or 1994 by Sega Technical Institute artist and Mars team member Chris Senn, intended as a spunky female protagonist who could match Sonic in attitude; in Senn's own words, "[A] "girl power" character. She varied from the typical female "damsel in distress". She was originally slated to be a bandicoot, but later found herself reworked into a Manx cat. Senn's initial art of the character was based on the design of Sonic the Hedgehog himself, to ensure she would naturally fit into the existing cast of characters. He states any visual similarities between Tiara and Princess Sally Acorn are entirely unintentional.[4]
Sometime in 1995, a serious of four new clothing designs for Tiara were created, intended to generate discussion around the character. Proposed designs included a form-fitting red dress, a tank top and skirt, a tank top and skirt with a visible midriff, and one with no clothing akin to Sonic and Tails, but which changed her fur pattern. Michael Kosaka said he envisioned her as having more attitude, so Senn changed her accordingly, with Tiara gaining a new stance and visual demeanor as a result, as well as sporty new outfit. Senn felt this design properly conveyed her attitude as a character, but following the project's cancellation, he admitted that her earlier design was his favorite.
In video games
Originally, Tiara was envisioned as one of six playable characters, with each featuring unique gameplay mechanics and camera angles. Tiara's mode was set to feature two-dimensional gameplay with the additional ability to travel forward and backward to additional 2D planes. She could also perform classic Sonic series moves such as a Spin Dash, as well as new "power moves" performed with a scepter.
According to Chris Senn, when the Saturn action-platformer Clockwork Knight 2 was released, the team realized that Tiara's gameplay was "exactly what the entire game [Clockwork Nights 2] did!"
History
In the "Sonic Twist" storyline by Christian Senn, Sonic the Hedgehog must travel to a romantic location in Tiara's kingdom for a date with her. However, to reach the location, Sonic must journey through many obstacles and enemies. The longer it takes Sonic, the angrier Tiara will be when he finally reaches her, as revealed to the player through cameo footage of her throughout the game. Sonic, realizing that Tiara will be angry with him, decides to collect the seven Chaos Emeralds along the way and make them into a necklace for her. Sonic's troubles begin when Dr. Robotnik decides to destroy the landscapes in his path in an attempt to stop Sonic from taking the Emeralds and to trap him forever.
This storyline featured Tiara as a princess, something that changed when later stories required a professor character. Tiara's father was changed from "King Cyberooski" to "Professor Gazebo Boobowski"[5][6][7], a Master Ring Smith[8][6] (drawing inspiration from the Archie comics series, in which Rings are objects which can be created). Thus, her role changed as well, with both characters acting as "ring-keepers"[1][2] which would be kidnapped by Robotnik.[9][6]
In the "SonicBOOM" storyline by Christian Senn, Dr. Robotnik has been infected by the deadly Doom Virus. In order to obtain the ingredients needed for the cure, he decided to infect Sonic with the virus and let him obtain the cure for him. As bait, Robotnik kidnapped Tiara, chaining her to a wooden platform hung over a bed of spikes. Sonic found her in time and immediately saved her. However, Tiara then revealed that the chains had been laced with the Doom Virus. Sonic's only hope was to see Tiara's father, the professor who lived in the castle on Misty Peak. Upon hearing of his daughter's rescue, Professor Gazebo Boobowski was glad to help Sonic on his adventure.
In the "Sonic DOOM" storyline by Christian Senn and Richard Wheeler, Robotnik has cracked the Master Chaos Emerald in an attempt to tap its power. As a result, the Doom Virus was released into the air. After failing to extract a cure from Professor Gazebo Boobowski, Robotnik kidnapped the professor's daughter, Tiara. Knowing that Sonic cannot resist rescuing a creature in danger, Robotnik used her as bait, setting the Master Emerald above a bound Tiara. Sonic spun around her like a whirlwind, freeing her. Tiara informed the hedgehog that he had contracted the virus. Sonic's only hope is to see her father, Gazebo, the professor in the castle.
Personality
Tiara was to be self-assured, outgoing, smart and witty. She has a quick-temper, yet is quick to forgive. She is also very athletic.[10]
In other media
Tiara makes a number of cameo appearances in Archie's Sonic the Hedgehog comic series. Despite this, it is unlikely she will make further appearances, reportedly due to rights ownership issues over the character.[11]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 [gameplayers, issue 0906, page 40 gameplayers, issue 0906, page 40]
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 [nextgeneration, issue 19, page 67 nextgeneration, issue 19, page 67]
- ↑ Interview: Mike Wallis (2002-06) by Pachuka
- ↑ http://www.senntient.com:80/projects/xtreme/FAQ.html (Wayback Machine: 2011-03-17 06:48)
- ↑ [ssm, issue 9, page 33 ssm, issue 9, page 33]
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 [segamagazin, issue 32, page 6 segamagazin, issue 32, page 6]
- ↑ [hobbyconsolas, issue 57, page 16 hobbyconsolas, issue 57, page 16]
- ↑ [gamepro, issue 95, page 44 gamepro, issue 95, page 44]
- ↑ [egm, issue 84, page 74 egm, issue 84, page 74]
- ↑ Needs citation
- ↑ @IanFlynnBKC on Twitter (Wayback Machine: 2019-07-11 22:57)